WHO Publishes Working Document on Patient Management

Patient engagement is a catchphrase used throughout the healthcare industry, but with the little tangible definition. However, the Division of Health Systems and Public Health of the WHO Regional Office for Europe collected the evidence, analyzed and interpreted the findings and published a working draft on engaging patients, carers, and communities for the provision of coordinated/integrated health services: strategies and tools.

Background
The global importance of health system strengthening is clearly defined in the WHO 12th General Programme of Work 2014-2019, with a priority technical cluster dedicated to the organization of integrated service delivery as part of the interim global strategy for people-centered and integrated health services and transforming health services to meet the health challenges of the 21st century.

The current draft is aimed at expanding in this priority area. Transforming the provision of health services towards people-centered health systems requires actions by providers, managers of services and policy makers to support patients in being engaged in the management of their conditions and risks factors, in adhering to treatments and in participating in the clinical decisions. Four key strategies have been identified for engaging patients, their families, and carers: Self-managing health and health conditions.

Engaging patients, carers, and communities for the provision of coordinated/integrated health services: strategies and tools. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe